Exercise apparatus and method

ABSTRACT

An exercise apparatus comprises a ball unit and a handle. The ball unit is weighted and may be hollow or solid. The ball unit has a truncated region and the handle has a retention disc, which retention disc removably couples to the truncated region to operatively connect the handle and ball unit. Preferably, the apparatus comprises first and second truncated regions and first and second handles, which handles each comprise first, second, and third retention discs. The retention discs each comprise a bearing race, which bearing races, when aligned, form a bearing arrangement that further comprises a rolling element received by the bearing races. The apparatus provides for a rotational motion of the ball unit with respect to the handles and of the handles with respect to the ball unit. A method for using the disclosed exercise apparatus comprises providing the apparatus and performing at least one exercise activity therewith.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

The present disclosure claims priority under 35 U.S.C. §119 on pending U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 61/673,128, filed on Jul. 18, 2012, the disclosure of which is incorporated by reference.

FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE

The present disclosure relates to an exercise apparatus and method, and, more particularly, to an apparatus that allows the user to perform effectively a broad variety of exercises without necessarily having to utilize other exercise equipment and a method for using that apparatus to perform effectively a broad variety of exercises in limited space.

BACKGROUND

Physical exercise is a common and valuable activity in which countless people participate. The benefits of such exercise, whether for the body or the mind, are generally accepted such that all who are physically capable are encouraged to undertake some sort of physical exercise on a regular basis. Notwithstanding these clear benefits, there are some hurdles to participating in such exercise on a regular basis, or in unfortunate cases, at all. Such reasons include, but are not necessarily limited to, the cost of the undertaking (such as gym membership fees or court rental fees, for example), or the lack of time or convenient space in which to practice an exercise, or the sheer amount of equipment that is perceived to be necessary to perform effective workouts.

Other concerns include concerns of efficiency. That is, a lay person may not know how to conduct an efficient training regimen and may either become frustrated in the search for such a regimen or may otherwise instead injure him or herself in the attempt to perform an efficient training regimen. In any event, in the absence of a directed, efficient regimen, a person may not realize all of the benefits that exercise can offer, and his or her physical condition may suffer as a result.

Versatility is also a concern in the field of exercise and exercise apparatuses. That is, the capability of performing a number of distinct exercise patterns (as opposed to only one or two repetitive patterns) benefits the user by reducing or distributing the amount of stress that is incurred on a particular body part or parts. Further, the ability to perform a wide range of exercises has an overall net positive impact on the user, by improving the overall health or condition of his or her body, as opposed to directed exercises, which focus only on certain motions or body parts.

Thus, what is preferred is an exercise apparatus that allows a user to perform a variety of exercises in limited space, and which apparatus also is sufficiently-self directing and self-contained to allow the user to perform a variety of exercises that are designed to fully address and develop the user's physical condition.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In view of the foregoing disadvantages inherent in the prior art, the general purpose of the present disclosure is to provide an exercise apparatus to include all advantages of the prior art, and to overcome the drawbacks inherent in the prior art.

An object of the present disclosure is to allow a user to perform a variety of exercises in limited space, and to provide sufficient guidance to the user to allow the user to perform a variety of exercises that are designed to fully address and develop the user's physical condition. The present disclosure also is directed toward providing an apparatus and method that keeps the user engaged and does not require a variety of different equipment pieces to perform an effective and wide-ranging training regimen.

In light of the above object, and in an aspect of the present disclosure, an exercise apparatus that allows the user to perform effectively a broad variety of exercises without necessarily haying to utilize other exercise equipment and a method that allows the user to perform effectively a broad variety of exercises are provided. In an embodiment, the disclosed apparatus comprises a weighted ball unit and at least one handle connected thereto, which handles allow for a rotational motion of the ball with respect to the at least one handle. A plurality of handles may be provided, which increase stability for the user when he or she undertakes exercises or other controlled movements while holding or utilizing the weighted ball unit. The weight and rotational capability of the ball, by themselves or in combination with the handle or handles attached thereto, allow the user to perform a variety of beneficial movements in a confined space.

These together with other aspects of the present disclosure, along with the various features of novelty that characterize the present disclosure, are pointed out with particularity in the claims annexed hereto and form a part of the present disclosure. For a better understanding of the present disclosure, its operating advantages, and the specific objects attained by its uses, reference should be made to the accompanying drawings and detailed description in which there are illustrated and described exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure.

DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The advantages and features of the present invention will become better understood with reference to the following detailed description and claims taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein like elements are identified with like symbols, and in which:

FIG. 1 shows a perspective view of an exercise apparatus in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 2 shows a front view of the exercise apparatus of FIG. 1 in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 3 shows an exemplary exploded view of the handle, retention discs, and ball unit of the exercise apparatus in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 4 shows an exemplary exploded view as a reverse view of FIG. 3 in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 5 shows an exemplary close-up of a retention disc comprising a track and bolts in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure; and

FIG. 6 shows an exemplary perspective view of an exercise apparatus comprising at least one strap in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.

Like reference numerals refer to like parts throughout the description of several views of the drawings.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DISCLOSURE

The best mode for carrying out the present disclosure is presented in terms of its preferred embodiments, herein depicted in the accompanying figures. The preferred embodiments described herein detail for illustrative purposes are subject to many variations. It is understood that various omissions and substitutions of equivalents are contemplated as circumstances may suggest or render expedient, but are intended to cover the application or implementation without departing from the spirit or scope of the present disclosure.

The terms “a” and “an” herein do not denote a limitation of quantity, but rather denote the presence of at least one of the referenced items.

The present disclosure provides an exercise apparatus that allows a user to perform effectively a broad variety of exercises in limited space and without resorting to numerous different pieces of equipment. In an embodiment, the exercise apparatus comprises a ball unit having a weighted portion disposed therein and at least one truncated region, and at least one handle. The at least one handle comprises a graspable portion affixed to at least one retention disc, which at least one retention disc removably couples the at least one handle to the at least one truncated region of the ball unit. This coupling of the at least one handle provides for a rotational motion of the ball unit with respect to the at least one handle (and, similarly, for a rotational motion of the at least one handle with respect to the ball unit).

In a preferred embodiment, the exercise apparatus comprises a first handle and a second handle, which first handle is attached to a first truncated region of the ball unit and which second handle is attached to a second truncated region thereof, and which first and second truncated regions are disposed at opposite ends of the ball unit. Further, in this preferred embodiment, the at least one retention disc comprises a first retention disc, a second retention disc, and a third retention disc.

The rotational motion of the exercise apparatus, and particularly of the ball unit about the handles and of the handles about the ball unit, is created via a bearing arrangement formed by aligning a bearing race of each of the first and second retention discs. The bearing arrangement comprises the bearing races and a rolling element, which rolling element, in an embodiment, is one of a screw head and a ball bearing. Specifically, and in the embodiment wherein the rolling element is a screw head, the bearing arrangement may receive a portion of the screw head in each aligned race thereof. It will be apparent that regardless of the particular embodiment, the rolling element will be movably received within at least one race of the bearing arrangement.

In an embodiment, the weighted portion of the ball unit comprises a weight compartment and a weight unit. The weight unit is removably received within the weight compartment such that a user may replace the existing weight unit with a lighter or heavier weight unit to configure the apparatus to a specific, desired weight. In a further embodiment, the ball unit of the exercise apparatus may be substantially hollow. In still a further embodiment, the ball unit may be substantially solid.

The present disclosure further provides a method for using the exercise apparatus as herein disclosed. The method allows the user to perform a plurality of exercise activities without the need for additional exercise equipment or space. The method comprises the steps of providing an exercise apparatus as the one disclosed herein; performing an exercise activity, which exercise activity involves the user grasping the apparatus by the at least one handle and thereafter doing one of lifting or swinging the ball unit and rolling the ball unit on a surface; and repeating the performing step as desired until the user has finished his or her exercise regimen. The method may further provide for the user varying the lifting or swinging and/or rolling of the ball unit in a variety of directions and movement patterns. The method may also call for instructing the user as to the movements or patterns of movements that he or she should perform with the apparatus to accomplish an effective workout.

In use, a user may grasp the exercise apparatus by the at least one handle and perform an exercise or a set or series thereof by holding the apparatus at various locations proximal to the user's body and rotating or rolling the apparatus as desired to achieve the desired effect from such exercise(s). The ball unit may be rotated about a handle and a handle may be rotated about the ball unit, which rotational motions allow the user to perform a plurality of exercises using only the apparatus in a limited space. Thus, by utilizing the rotational motion of the exercise apparatus, the user may work a plurality of muscles and other portions of his or her body while obviating the use of additional equipment and/or exercise space.

Referring now to FIGS. 1 and 2, an exercise apparatus is shown at 10 in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. The apparatus 10 comprises a ball unit 12, which ball unit 12 has a weighted portion disposed therein. In a preferred embodiment, the ball unit 12 will be generally or substantially spherical; however, it will be apparent that the ball unit 12 may be of any rounded geometry capable of rolling uninterruptedly on a surface.

The weighted portion of the ball unit 12 may be of any particular weight that allows the user to perform exercises with the apparatus 10. In an embodiment, the weighted portion of the ball unit 12 may weigh eight pounds; however, it will be apparent the ball unit 12 may be configured to various weights in order to provide for an apparatus 10 for users of various sizes and skill levels, for example. Further, and in an embodiment, the weighted portion of the ball unit 12 comprises a weight compartment and a weight unit, which weight unit is stored within the weight compartment. In this embodiment, the weight unit may be removed so that a user may replace it with a heavier or lighter weight to respectively increase or decrease the weight of the apparatus, thereby allowing the user to perform additional exercises therewith.

The ball unit 12 may be substantially hollow, except as may be necessary to configure the various other components of the apparatus thereto, or it may be substantially solid. In either case, it will be apparent that the ball unit 12 comprises the weighted portion of the apparatus 10. The exterior of the ball unit 12 is preferably formed from durable plastic and/or rubber, in order to increase the resiliency of the apparatus while minimizing the possibility of the ball unit 12 damaging surfaces against which it may roll or otherwise be disposed.

The ball unit 12 further comprises at least one truncated region 14 thereon, which at least one truncated region 14 in a preferred embodiment comprises first and second truncated regions 14A and 14B. At least one handle 16 is provided and is disposed against the truncated region 14 of the ball unit 12. It will be apparent that the at least one handle 16 will be of any shape that is ergonomically suited for a human hand to grasp. In a preferred embodiment, the at least one handle 16 comprises first and second handles 16A and 16B for removably coupling with the first and second truncated regions 14A and 14B of the ball unit 12, respectively. Preferably, the first and second truncated regions 14A and 14B will be disposed at opposite ends of the ball unit 12 in order to facilitate the rounded geometry of the

The removable coupling of the first and second handles 16A and 16B to the first and second truncated regions 14A and 14B may be accomplished by way of at least one retention disc 18, which at least one retention disc 18 securely attaches the handle(s) 16 to the ball unit 12. It will be apparent that although these components are referred to as discs, the retention discs 18 may be of any of a variety of plates, rings, or similar structures capable of forming an interface between the handle(s) 16 and the ball unit 12. One or more fasteners 20 (which will be discussed below in an exemplary embodiment as rolling elements) may be used to secure the first and second handles 16A and 16B to the ball unit 12, which fasteners 20 may be removed with minimal effort should the first and second handles 16A and 16B ever need to be detached, and the at least one retention disc 18 comprises at least one aperture 22 through which such a fastener 20 may be received. Nevertheless, it will be apparent to one skilled in the art that the attachment means of the at least one handle 16 and ball unit 12 may be of any configuration that allows for a rotational motion of the ball unit 12 with respect to the at least one handle 16 and of the at least one handle 16 with respect to the ball unit 12.

In a preferred embodiment, and as shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, each at least one handle 16 couples to the ball unit 12 via first, second, and third retention discs 18A, 18B, and 18C. Each at least one handle 16 may be permanently affixed to its respective first retention disc 18A, as the rotational operation of the apparatus 10 requires the inclusion of at least one retention disc 18, although it will be apparent that the apparatus 10 will still function properly wherein non-permanent means are used to affix each at least one handle 16 to its respective first retention disc 18A. To attach each at least one handle 16 in this embodiment, the first, second, and third retention discs 18A, 18B, and 18C are juxtaposed or stacked with their apertures 22 aligned, which alignment allows the first and second retention discs 18A and 18B to receive at least a portion of a single fastener 20 through each aperture 22 thereof, thereby operatively coupling the first retention disc 18A to the second retention disc 18B.

Specifically, the at least one aperture 22 on each of the first and second retention discs 18A and 18B comprises a bearing race 24 for facilitating the rotational motion of the apparatus, and the alignment of respective bearing races 24 of the first and second retention discs 18A and 18B forms a bearing arrangement. Each bearing race 24 is capable of receiving at least a portion of a rolling element 26 to be disposed at least partially therein, which rolling element 26, in a preferred embodiment, is one of a screw head and a ball. It will be apparent that the rolling element 26 may comprise any configuration that permits rotational motion of the ball unit 12 with respect to the handle(s) 16 and of the handle(s) 16 with respect to the ball unit 12. It will further be apparent that the rolling element 26, regardless of its structure or configuration, may be at least partially received within the bearing race 24 and may not simultaneously contact all sides of the bearing race 24.

The first and second retention discs 18A and 18B, once aligned, may be coupled to the third retention disc 18C, which coupling may, for example, utilize a snap configuration or similar mechanism between the second and third retention discs 18B and 18C. In an embodiment, the third retention disc 18C comprises a track 28 about which the second retention disc 18B may fit, which track 28 provides for the rotational motion of the second retention disc 18B with respect to the third retention disc 18C. In an embodiment, the track 28 may comprise grooves 34 for receiving at least a portion of a rotating element, which rotating element may, for example, be configured to an interior surface of the third retention disc 18C. The third retention disc 18C has disposed thereon bolts 30 for coupling with the ball unit 12, and in an embodiment, the ball unit 12 has holes 32 for receiving the bolts 30 thereof. In an embodiment where only one retention disc 18 is used, the retention disc 18 comprises the track 28 about which the connected handle 16 rotates and is directly coupled to the ball unit 12 using one or more bolts 30. FIG. 5 shows a close-up view of the third retention disc 18C, and in particular, the track 28 about which the second retention disc 18B rotates and the bolts 30 that couple the third retention disc 18C to the ball unit 12.

In an embodiment, and as shown in FIG. 6, the disclosed exercise apparatus may further comprise at least one strap 36 operatively coupled to either or both of the ball unit 12 and the at least one handle 16. The at least one strap 36 may be used to secure a portion of a user's body to the apparatus, such as the user's hand or foot. Preferably, one strap 36 will be operatively coupled to each at least one handle 16. In use, the user may place his or her hand or foot on the apparatus and secure it thereto using the at least one strap 36, and may thereafter perform an exercise involving rolling the apparatus on a flat surface using the portion of the user that is strapped thereto. For example, a user may secure each of his or her feet within one such at least one strap 36 and place his or her hands on a flat surface, and may thereafter roll the apparatus on the flat surface. In an embodiment, the at least one strap 36 comprises an adjustable fastener that connects through a portion of the at least one handle 16 to secure the user's hand or foot to the apparatus. However, it will be apparent that the at least one strap 36 may comprise any configuration that sufficiently secures a portion of the user's body to the apparatus.

As previously mentioned, a method for using the exercise apparatus as herein disclosed is also provided. The method comprises the steps of providing an exercise apparatus as that which is herein disclosed; performing an exercise activity with the exercise apparatus, which exercise activity may be one or a series of grasping the apparatus by the at least one handle and thereafter lifting or swinging the apparatus, and grasping the apparatus by the at least one handle and thereafter rolling the ball unit on a surface; and repeating the aforementioned performing step as many times as the user desires in order to perform all of the exercise activities needed. Further, as described above, and in an embodiment wherein the exercise apparatus comprises at least one strap, the exercise activity to be performed during the disclosed method may further comprise securing a portion of the user to the apparatus via the at least one strap and thereafter rolling the ball unit on a surface.

It will be apparent that the method will be used by a user who is utilizing the disclosed exercise apparatus for at least one exercise activity, and further that the user will be able to vary his or her exercise activities performed therewith in order to meet his or her own personal exercise goals. Accordingly, the method provides that the user may lift, swing, or roll the apparatus in a variety of directions and movement patterns in order to vary the exercise activities performed therewith, which variance would occur during the performing step of the method. Additionally, and in order to teach the user how to properly perform the disclosed exercise activities and to provide feedback to the user as to the user's performance of such exercise activities, the method may further provide the user with instructions as to the movements or patterns of movements to be performed with the exercise apparatus.

The present disclosure offers the following advantages. The apparatus allows a user to perform a variety of exercises in limited space, which variety of exercises may fully address and develop the user's physical condition. The apparatus is sufficiently convenient and easy to use such that it keeps the user engaged and does not require the user to provide a variety of different equipment pieces to perform an effective and wide-ranging training regimen.

The foregoing descriptions of specific embodiments of the present disclosure have been presented for purposes of illustration and description. They are not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the present disclosure to the precise forms disclosed, and obviously many modifications and variations are possible in light of the above teaching. The exemplary embodiment was chosen and described in order to best explain the principles of the present disclosure and its practical application, to thereby enable others skilled in the art to best utilize the disclosure and various embodiments with various modifications as are suited to the particular use contemplated. 

What is claimed is:
 1. An exercise apparatus, the apparatus comprising: a ball unit, said ball unit haying a weighted portion disposed therein, said ball unit having at least one truncated region; and at least one handle, said at least one handle having at least one retention disc, said at least one handle removably coupled to said at least one truncated region of said ball unit via said at least one retention disc, said at least one handle extending outwardly from said ball unit, wherein said at least one handle provides for a rotational motion of said ball unit with respect to said at least one handle, and wherein said ball unit provides for a rotational motion of said at least one handle with respect to said ball unit.
 2. The apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein said at least one truncated region of said ball unit comprises a first truncated region and a second truncated region and said at least one handle comprises as first handle and a second handle, said first handle removably coupled to said first truncated region via said at least one retention disc of said first handle, said second handle removably coupled to said second truncated region via said at least one retention disc of said second handle.
 3. The apparatus as claimed in claim 2, wherein said first truncated region and said second truncated region are disposed at opposite ends of said ball unit.
 4. The apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein said at least one retention disc comprises a first retention disc, a second retention disc, and a third retention disc.
 5. The apparatus as claimed in claim 4, wherein said first retention disc is operatively coupled to said second retention disc, said second retention disc is operatively coupled about a track of said third retention disc, and said third retention disc has at least one bolt for coupling said third retention disc with said ball unit.
 6. The apparatus as claimed in claim 4, wherein said first retention disc and said second retention disc each has at least one aperture and wherein a bearing arrangement is formed by aligning each said at least one aperture of each of said first retention disc and said second retention disc, each said at least one aperture comprising a bearing race, said bearing arrangement comprising a rolling element, said rolling element received within said bearing race.
 7. The apparatus as claimed in claim 6, wherein said rolling element comprises one of a screw head and a ball.
 8. The apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein said weighted portion of said ball unit comprises a weight compartment and a weight unit, said weight unit removably received by said weight compartment, and wherein a user may replace said weight unit with a different weight unit such that the apparatus ma be configured to a desired weight.
 9. The apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein said apparatus further comprises at least one strap, said at least one strap operatively coupled to at least one of said ball unit and said at least one handle, said at least one strap capable of securing a portion of the user to the apparatus.
 10. The apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein said ball unit is either substantially hollow or substantially solid.
 11. A method for using an exercise apparatus, the method comprising the steps of: providing an exercise apparatus, the exercise apparatus comprising: a ball unit, the ball unit having a weighted portion disposed therein, the ball unit having at least one truncated region; and at least one handle, said at least one handle having at least one retention disc, said at least one handle removably coupled to said at least one truncated region of said ball unit via said at least one retention disc, said at least one handle extending outwardly from said ball unit, wherein the at least one handle provides for a rotational motion of the ball unit with respect to the at least one handle, and wherein the ball unit provides for a rotational motion of the at least one handle with respect to the ball unit; performing an exercise activity with the exercise apparatus, the exercise activity comprising one or a series of: grasping the apparatus by the at least one handle and thereafter lifting or swinging the apparatus; and grasping the apparatus by the at least one handle and thereafter rolling the ball unit on a surface; and repeating said performing step as desired, wherein during said performing step, the user may lift, swing, or roll the apparatus in a variety of directions and movement patterns in order to vary the exercise activities performed therewith, and wherein the method may further provide the user with instructions during said performing step as to the movements or patterns of movements to be performed with the apparatus.
 12. The method as claimed in claim 11, wherein the at least one truncated region of the ball unit comprises a first truncated region and a second truncated region and the at least one handle comprises a first handle and a second handle, the first handle removably coupled to the first truncated region via the at least one retention disc of the first handle, the second handle removably coupled to the second truncated region via the at least one retention disc of the second handle.
 13. The method as claimed in claim 12, wherein the first truncated region and the second truncated region are disposed at opposite ends of the ball unit.
 14. The method as claimed in claim 11, wherein the at least one retention disc comprises a first retention disc, a second retention disc, and a third retention disc.
 15. The method as claimed in claim 14, wherein the first retention disc is operatively coupled to the second retention disc, the second retention disc is operatively coupled about a track of the third retention disc, and the third retention disc has at least one bolt for coupling the third retention disc with the ball unit.
 16. The method as claimed in claim 14, wherein the first retention disc and the second retention disc each has at least one aperture and wherein a bearing arrangement is formed by aligning each at least one aperture of each of the first retention disc and the second retention disc, each at least one aperture comprising a bearing race, the bearing arrangement comprising a rolling element, the rolling element received within the bearing race.
 17. The method as claimed in claim 16, wherein the rolling element comprises one of a screw head and a ball.
 18. The method as claimed in claim 11, wherein the weighted portion of the ball unit comprises a weight compartment and a weight unit, the weight unit removably received by the weight compartment, and wherein a user may replace the weight unit with a different weight unit such that the apparatus may be configured to a desired weight.
 19. The method as claimed in claim 11, wherein the apparatus further comprises at least one strap, the at least one strap operatively coupled to at least one of the ball unit and the at least one handle, the at least one strap capable of securing a portion of the user to the apparatus, and wherein the exercise activity of said performing step further comprises one or a series of securing a portion of the user to the apparatus via the at least one strap and thereafter rolling the ball unit on a surface.
 20. The method as claimed in claim 11, wherein the ball unit is either substantially hollow or substantially solid. 